Kidnapping: Apostle Ibanga thanks God for wife’s safe return … Dedicates grand-daughter

The premises of Mount Zion Lighthouse Full  Gospel Church Incorporated, Eka Midim Diocese Headquarters, Abak was filled to capacity last Sunday when Apostle (Dr. Sylvester Ibanga and family thanked God for the safe return of his wife from the hands of kidnappers. 

The thanksgiving service was attended by friends of the family, top government functionaries, the political class, royal fathers among others. 

In his homely, the officiating minister, Bishop Udofa called on Christians to always remember to give thanks and praises to God and should also worship God in spirit and in truth.

Bishop Udofa noted that though trials and temptations may come, God will always be there to see His children through. 

The man of God pointed out that if God was not with the family, the world would have made mockery of them and advised the family to continue to depend on God. 

The thanksgiving service also featured the dedication of the grand-daughter of Apostle (Dr.) Sylvester Ibanga, Miss Ekemini Isaac Sunday. While dedicating the child, Bishop Udofa prayed that she grow in the ways of the Lord to become useful to the family, the church and the society. “Ekemini Isaac Sunday, as you have been brought to the church today, you should continue to serve God through the rest of your life. You shall grow to become a blessing to the family, the church and the society. The eyes of the wicked shall not see you. No weapon fashioned against you shall prosper”, the man of God prayed. 

In their testimonies, the parent, Mr/Mrs Isaac Sunday thanked God for the safe delivery of the baby and for delivering their mother from the hands of the kidnappers. They promised to continue to serve and worship God.  

On his part, the Chief Celebrant, Apostle (Dr.) Sylvester Ibanga thanked God for the gift of the grand-daughter and prayed God to also give children to those who are in need. 

Apostle Ibanga who is the Village Head of Ikot Ekiduk, Midim in Abak local government area said he decided to chose the day to thank God for what He has done for his family. 

Apostle Ibanga said the thanksgiving service with the theme “Great is thy Faithfulness became imperative because if the reverse was the case, the family would have been thrown into mourning.

Apostle Ibanga who is also the Superintendent of Mount Zion Lighthouse Full Gospel Church Incorporated Mbierebe Obio Diocese, expressed gratitude to God for sparing the life of his wife from the hands of those who kidnapped her some months ago. 

He thanked the church, friends of the family and sympathizers whose prayers he noted, contributed to the safe return of his wife. 

The man of God called on those facing one problem or the other, to have faith in God, believing that someday, their problems will be over.  On behalf of his family, Apostle Ibanga donated N100,000 to the church ceiling project. 

On her part, Obonganwan Deaconess Grace Ibanga thanked God for sparing her life and for what He has done for her family and promised to continue to serve Him.

At the church service, the eldest son of Apostle Ibanga, Prince Dr Mkpouto Ibanga celebrated his birthday. 

In his speech, the Provost, Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos, Plateau State, Dr. Nkereuwem Etukudoh, described the day as very special in the life of Etukudoh’s family and thanked God for the safe delivery of the baby, the safe return of Deaconess Grace Ibanga and the birthday celebration of Dr. Mkpouto Ibanga. Dr. Etukudoh prayed God to give Dr. Mkpouto Ibanga many more fruitful years on earth.  

The Provost announced that the Etukudoh family will take over the responsibility of ceiling project of the church. Quoting the Bible portions, Exodus 14:14, Isaiah 43:3-14 and Exodus 23:27-28, Dr. Etukudoh noted that through the incident that happened some months ago, the family, Midim Clan and Abak local government area have been liberated from slavery. 

Others who spoke at the occasion including former chairman of Abak local government council, Barr. Paul Ubom, Chairman Conference of Village Heads Abak Chapter, Eteidung Fabian Sampson, Chairman Ekpuk Heads Forum, Akwa Ibom State among others thanked God for what He has done for the family.